There are two methods to clean a viscose rug.
The “simple cleaning method” and the “carpet cleaning machine method“.
But before we discuss how to clean a viscose rug it makes sense to explain how viscose rugs are made. This will make it easier to understand why some cleaning methods are not appropriate.
Natural silk carpets are expensive, so viscose rugs are a cheaper alternative.
Unlike silk rugs, viscose rugs carpets are composed of a synthetic material known as rayon, and they differ from them in a number of other ways.
The fibres of the rug are more delicate, and they demand special attention to keep them clean.
You can clean even the dirtiest viscose rug as long as you apply the proper techniques.
There are cleaning products that are designed exclusively for cleaning rayon.
Now that we know how a viscose rug is made let’s discuss the two cleaning methods.
Simple Cleaning Method
Preparation
Before you start to clean a viscose rug you need to determine the direction of the nap.
The nap or pile of a rug refers to the natural direction in which the fibres of the rug flow.
When you run your hand back and forth across the surface of a rug you’ll notice that in one direction the rug feels smooth, while in the other direction it feels rough.
If when you clean a viscose rug you agitate the rug against the pile, this can lead to the fibres of the rug becoming loose and cause it to become distorted.
Sweeping
Once you have determined the direction of the nap take a carpet sweeper and push it in the direction of the nap.
You do not want to be using a vacuum cleaner. The high suction force and the beater brushes can cause damage to the fibres of a viscose rug.
Rather, use a non-electric carpet sweeper to sweep the rug in the direction of the nap.
This should help to remove any lingering crumbs or debris that has become caught in the rug.
If the rug is still soiled, you may need to go over it numerous times.
If you don’t have a carpet sweeper, a soft broom, such as a window washing broom or a hand broom, can be used to clean the rug.
Always keep in mind that viscose is not a particularly durable material.
If you clean a viscose rug frequently or place it in a heavy traffic area, it will not last very long. In order to avoid damaging the fibres, do not scrub the rug excessively hard or overwork the fibres.
Cleaning Spills
Spills can be cleaned up with basic dish soap.
Before applying the dish soap on the rug, test it on a small section of it.
If you see any discolouration or stains, refrain from using them. The use of mild dish soap and water on a larger surface area is an effective cleaning method.
Using cold water and a drop of pH-neutral dish soap, saturate a rag and rub it in the direction of the nap of the rug. When you’re finished, dab the area with a clean, dry rag until it’s completely dry.
Detergents should not be used on your rug since they can stain and change the colour of the rug.
White vinegar, water, and dish soap can be used to spot clean.
The sooner you clean up accidents, the less likely it is that the stain will grow in size and become more severe.
Tough Stains
If the stains are particularly difficult to remove, try spot cleaning the area using a solution of water, white vinegar, and mild dish soap.
Mix the solution thoroughly and use a rag to remove any bubbles that have formed on the surface of the solution. Apply pressure to the stain with the bubble-filled towel. Then wipe it down, and quickly wipe away the solution with a clean, damp rag
If you oversaturate the rag with the solution, you may end up damaging your rug.
A citric acid solution can be used in place of vinegar to cure stains if you do not want to use vinegar.
Water can cause your viscose fibres to yellow. So you may want to consider using a specialist citric acid solution that will not yellow your viscose.
If you want to keep the rug soft after it has been spot cleaned, you can spray it with a fabric softener.
The fabric softener should be placed in a spray bottle and then diluted with water.
To soften the rug, spray it with a small amount of fabric softener.
After that, hand groom the rug with a soft bristle brush, ensuring that you brush it in the direction of the grain.
Carpet Cleaning Machine Method
Reduce the number of times you machine clean your rug.
Because viscose is a fragile substance, it is susceptible to being damaged.
Using a machine to clean your rug increases the likelihood of harm, therefore only do it if the rug is extremely dirty or stained.
It’s better if you can keep the rug clean so that you don’t have to deep clean it as often.
Fix the rug to the floor or a flat surface. Use clamps to attach the rug to a flat surface. Or place the rug on a mounting board to ensure that it does not move around while you are cleaning the rug.
Carpet washing and rug cleaning machines are available for rent or purchase at major home improvement and department stores.
These machines are equipped with a hose and cleaning nozzle. This is used to transfer and vacuum the cleaning solution from the carpet surface.
Because hot water can damage viscose rugs, it’s best to rent or purchase a machine that only utilises cold water.
To make a cleaning solution, combine carpet cleaning ingredients with water in a container.
You can get anionic detergents or other cleaners formulated specifically for viscose rugs either online or in rug retailers that specialise in viscose rugs. So make sure to purchase these cleaning solutions and read the instructions on the back of the bottle.
To prepare the cleaning solution, combine the cleaning chemicals with cold water in a bucket before transferring it to the basin of your carpet cleaning machine.
Do not use hot water as hot water can cause your rug to shrink.
Remember to thoroughly mix the chemicals together after you’ve finished combining them so that they become fully absorbed.
Drag the carpet cleaning machine’s head across the surface of the rug.
Pulling the trigger on the carpet cleaning machine’s head will cause the cleaning solution to be ejected into the rug.
Make sure that you follow the nap of the rug in order to avoid dislodging any of the fibres of the rug. The grime in the rug should begin to come to the surface.
To remove the solution from the carpet, use the carpet cleaner.
Once you’ve moved the carpet cleaner from one end of the rug to the other, repeat the process, but this time with only the vacuum motor operating.
This should be able to remove all of the unclean water and dirt that has accumulated on your carpet.
Repeat the procedure until the rug is completely cleaned.
Continue to work your way up and down the rug with the cleaning solution and carpet cleaner until the entire rug has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
To dry the rug, hang it up. Turn the rug over and hang it on a railing to allow it to dry. It is not recommended to apply direct heat to the rug since it may cause harm.
Keeping Your Viscose Rug Clean
If your rug is in a bad condition, you should have it professionally cleaned.
Viscose rugs are delicate and can become stained or ruined if not handled with care.
If you have a viscose rug that is essential to you personally, you should consider having it professionally cleaned rather than cleaning it yourself at home. This will ensure that your rug is not damaged in any way.
Professional carpet cleaners will be able to clean your viscose rug since they will have the necessary chemicals and equipment.
Keep your rug away from wet or humid environments. When viscose rugs are exposed to moisture for an extended period of time, they are susceptible to destruction.
Avoid placing viscose rugs in areas where they will be exposed to a lot of moisture, such as the basement, bathroom, or outside.
If you are looking for information on how to clean an area rug then check out our article.